Another supermarket staple is on its way out, at one Australian grocery chain at least. Single-use plastic bags have become a thing of the past, and other single-use plastic items have done the same. Now, Harris Farm Markets has ditched artificial colours from within the products on its shelves, too. In an Aussie first, the company has spent five years ensuring that artificial colours have been eliminated from all the food and drinks on its shelves at all of its locations. The supermarket chain, which operates in New South Wales and Queensland, is the only major grocery provider so far to go all-natural when it comes to the colours in its products. [caption id="attachment_815760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] J&A Photography[/caption] "For over 50 years, Harris Farm Markets have been delivering goodness to Australian families. To continue to do this, we knew we needed to eliminate artificial colours from our shelves," said Harris Farm Markets co-CEO Tristan Harris. "So, for the past five years we have been working with our suppliers to find new methods of production if needed and alternative ingredients if required. Now, our pasta sauces, dips, juices, peanut butter, cookie dough, curry pastes, chocolates, soups, noodles and even orange juices, just to name a few, are all free of artificial colouring," he continued. The move has seen everywhere from wholesaler The Market Grocer and chocolatier Koko Black to dip company Fresh Fodder and pastry chef Anna Polyviou change their products to comply with Harris Farm Markets' determination to eradicate artificial colours. "It has meant, however, that some product lines have been eliminated, because we have to stand firm on our commitment," advised Harris. "We take immense pride in what we sell, and even more pride in what we don't sell, and from now on, we don't sell food with artificial colours. We are also incredibly proud to be the only major grocery provider in the country to be now artificial colour-free." [caption id="attachment_815760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] J&A Photography[/caption] Harris Farm Markets has always had a particular focus on fresh local produce, which is one of the reasons why the chain has both stood the test of time and amassed a considerable following. Another big obsession: sustainability, including via its imperfect picks section. That's where shoppers can pick up seasonal fruit and vegetables that mightn't look picture perfect, but still taste as great as ever, all as part of the chain's efforts to help stop farm wastage. For more information about Harris Farm Markets, and to find your closest store, head to the company's website.
From the crime antics of Murder on the Orient Express to the slow TV phenomenon that was SBS' The Ghan, lengthy train journeys have chugging across our screens over the past year. If watching folks make a long trip in a locomotive has you wanting to hit the rails yourself, you'll soon have a new luxury Australian option: the Great Southern. Set to embark on its maiden journey in December 2019, the Great Southern will cross the country from Adelaide to Brisbane — and vice versa, of course. The trek up north will take three days and two nights, while the return leg will occur over four days and three nights. If that seems like a considerable amount of time, that's because this kind of trip isn't just about getting from A to B. It's also about taking in the scenery and the general experience. Passengers departing from Adelaide will stop at the Grampians National Park, then hop off again at Canberra, and also enjoy the northern New South Wales coast on their way to Queensland. For those boarding in Brisbane, dining by the beach in northern NSW awaits, as does a day in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle, plus some time at the Twelve Apostles. The latest venture by Great Southern Rail, the Great Southern will be comprised of 28 carriages and two locomotives, with up to 214 guests able to take each journey. It doesn't come cheap — starting at $1649 per person — but that price does include your food and wine onboard, any dining that takes place off the train, and all of the off-locomotive experiences across the multi-night the trip. As you'll clearly be sleeping on the train, that's also included. Great Southern Rail also operates Australia's other two long-distance train treks, The Ghan (which runs from Adelaide to Darwin) and and the Indian Pacific (which journeys from Sydney to Perth). Tickets will go on sale on Monday, December 3, with the Great Southern's first season taking to the rails between December 6, 2019 and January 27, 2020. It'll operate 16 departures over that period, should you be looking for a different kind of getaway across the summer of 2019–20. Image: Great Southern Rail.
Jolene's Sydney is a Nashville-inspired bar boasting one of the biggest collections of whiskies in Sydney. Located across from Sammy Junior and the Prince of York, Jolene's comes from Simon Rose-Hopkins, who has worked across other American-themed Sydney venues like Surly's American BBQ and Nola Smokehouse and Bar. The CBD venue boasts a collection of more than 150 different whiskies, including 100 sourced specifically from American whiskey distillers. At Jolene's, you can opt for your whisky neat, on the rocks or in one of the bar's many exciting cocktails. Try the Country as Fuck (with bourbon, blackberry, lemon and sweet tea), Redneck Sangria (with vermouth and prosecco) or Tennessee Truck Stop (with Jack Daniel's, vanilla, pancake syrup and banana). Head down for the happy hour from 4–6pm on Tuesday–Saturday. Taking influence from whiskey-loving Nashville, the dimly lit bar has red velvet booths named after country singers. You can spend your night in the Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash or pop-country queen Taylor Swift booth, or big groups can book out the 12-seat VIP Dolly Parton booth. The Nashville influence doesn't stop there. Keeping in the spirit of the southern musical hub, Jolene's hosts local country and rock musicians three nights a week. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8–11pm, you can stop by for back-to-back sets from artists such as Steve Edmonds Band, Lozz Benson, Blake Dantier and Duncan Toombs. Rose-Hopkins, a frequent visitor to Nashville, says, "The bar is my way of paying homage to some of the best nights of my life and bringing that genuine Southern hospitality to York Street." Food-wise, patrons can expect a reserved menu of diner-style American snacks. Think hot dogs and tater tots. And, while the drinks menu is obviously veered towards whiskey aficionados, there are gin and vodka cocktails on offer, alongside a selection of craft beers on tap. Top image: Michael Klimentos Bottom image: Jo Forster
Sydney's Kent Street has a fancy new resident that's open for house-roasted coffees in the morning and wagyu and cocktails at night. Kuro is the new CBD restaurant, bar and cafe from Executive Chef and Co-Owner Taka Teramoto, who has spent time in the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and Tokyo, including Restaurant Pages and Florilège. At Kuro, Teramoto is joined by Head Chef Nobu Maruyama (Bar H) and together they've created a menu fusing Aussie produce and Japanese techniques. For starters, expect wagyu tartare with jerusalem artichoke chips, Japanese meatballs with furikake (an umami-rich seasoning) and egg tofu with sea urchin. Larger plates feature the likes of aged duck breast with black garlic, bass grouper with glass noodles and braised beef tongue with miso red wine. Plus, a highly marbled cut of Rangers Valley beef is sure to please Sydney steak lovers and you can round out your meal with a matcha crème brûlée, perhaps, or some coconut mochi. While it's only serving up dinner at the moment, the restaurant will also launch lunch in the coming weeks. [caption id="attachment_748778" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Megann Evans[/caption] Alongside the 40-seat dining room, called Kuro Dining, is an eight-seat bar, where Tokyo bartenders Fumiaki Michishita and Yasushiro Kawakubo have created a Japanese-inspired (and absinthe-heavy) cocktail list. There's the Sober Experience (soba-infused Jameson and absinthe with kabosu and 'umami syrup') and the Green Hour (French gin, dry vermouth, absinthe, apple and champagne cordial). The Lava Flow of Mt. Fuji is a Japanese twist on a piña colada, made using brown sugar shochu and matcha, while The Last Wave pulls inspiration from Aussie beaches, combining Manly Spirits gin, Chartreuse and shrimp (yes, shrimp) and kombu bitters. The bar also features heaps of Japanese spirits — including whisky, gin, sake and shochu — draught beer and a 120-bottle wine list courtesy of sommelier Wanaka Teramoto (116 Pages, Paris). If you're need of caffeine instead, stop by the brew bar on weekdays from 8am for single origin, house-roasted coffee, teas, matcha lattes and breakfast pastries (including banana bread and chocolate brownies). [caption id="attachment_749049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Megann Evans[/caption] Designed by Potts Point's Henderson & Co, the space itself is also impressive — and the lighting particularly so. Fifty-six American oak light 'portals' spread across the walls create an ever-changing ambiance throughout the day and into the night. Other design elements include a copper-tiled bar, sandstone and brick walls, polished stone and marble tables and a massive, blossom-shaped capiz chandelier. Cracks in the existing concrete floors have been filled with gold — a nod to the Japanese pottery-fixing technique of kintsugi — and soft fabric screens create semi-private dining spaces throughout. It may seem like Kuro already has a lot going on, but its most exciting offering is still to come later this year. Dubbed Teramoto by Kuro, it's a ten-person omakase personally served by chef Teramoto and sommelier Teramoto. You'll be seated at the kitchen-side counter, so you can watch the action while you feast. We'll keep you informed for when this portion of the restaurant opens. Find Kuro at 368 Kent Street, Sydney. The brew bar is open Monday–Friday 8am–3.30pm and 4.30pm–late. Kuro Dining is open Monday–Thursday 5.30pm–late and Saturday 5.30pm–late. Kuro Bar is open Monday–Saturday 4.30pm–late. Lunch service and Teramoto by Kuro will launch later this year. Images: Megann Evans
Capsule of the good ol' days of rock 'n' roll, Blender Gallery is Sydney's home of fine art music photography. It's here where you can peep behind-the-scenes shots of The Beatles, Hendrix and Debbie Harry, see our beloved Bowie and Prince through the decades, and maybe even purchase limited edition prints of Cher in all her '70s glory, Joni Mitchell ice skating and Kurt Cobain in concert. The gallery of iconic rock through the ages hosts an unbelievable collection of photographers from Tony Mott to Brian Aris. To see what's on, just stop by the space to see whose famed face is immortalised this week.
Since launching late last month, Sydney's billion-dollar Metro North West railway has already seen over one million passengers pass through its train station doors. To help even more commuters travel the 36-kilometre journey, linking Rouse Hill and Chatswood, Transport for NSW has launched a new on-demand bus that'll pick you up and drop you right by a new railway station. Cooee Busways works a little bit like UberPool, combining both fixed route and on-demand transit. To book a trip, jump on the smartphone app — which you can download for free for IOS and Android — input your pick-up location and your destination station, and a booking confirmation will be sent through with a nearby pick-up spot and estimated drop-off time. You'll also be sent a SMS notification two minutes before the bus is due to arrive, with its corresponding bus number. It'll then drop you at the station, possibly picking up a few other passengers along the way. The on-demand buses operate between 5am and 9pm on weekdays (including public holidays) and run to the Tallawong and Rouse Hill Metro stations, as well as to the Schofields Train Station. The area they service, at the moment, includes Schofields, The Ponds and Kellyville Ridge, and is outlined in the map below. As the on-demand bus service is currently only serving a fraction of the Metro's surrounding suburbs, we're hoping there are plans to expand it in the near future. Fares cost between $2.20 and $3.66 (depending on how far you're travelling), and concession card holders pay between $1.10 and $1.83. You can pay either through the app or by tapping your credit or debit card on board the bus. You, unfortunately, can't use your Opal card on the service. While the idea of on-demand public transport may seem novel, it's not new for Sydney. As well as an on-demand ferry, the city already has on-demand buses running in the inner west and eastern suburbs. Cooee Busways are now running from 5am–9pm, Monday to Friday in the Schofields, The Ponds and Kellyville Ridge areas. You can download the app for free via the Apple or Google stores.
While Chinese art might conjure up images from centuries past for a lot of us, the White Rabbit collection maintains a focus on contemporary Chinese art created during this century. The collection rotates throughout the year, consistently bringing in new explorations into modern art in China. Beyond the art, White Rabbit also runs its own teahouse, serving up specialities in all types of Chinese tea. The warming teas sit alongside a selection of snacks, including a plate of handmade dumplings. A trip to the White Rabbit immerses you in contemporary and traditional Chinese culture, all without the cost of a plane ticket.
Earlier this year, a little-known band named Mumford and Sons joined Nirvana, Offspring, Joy Division and Kings of Leon in a hall of fame that declared their debut single 'Little Lion Man' one of the hottest tunes of all time, according to Triple J listeners. It seems that while the ridiculously talented Laura Marling and 'nu-folk' band Noah and the Whale were steadily reviving the folk music scene over the past couple of years, Mumford and Sons were hiding out in south-west London concocting the debut album that would win them an instant appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. So how did a Christian folk band who sound as if they’ve named themselves after their local funeral parlour achieve such instant mainstream success? Maybe it’s the masterful, melancholic voice of Marcus Mumford, combined with the rolling, cacophonous jumble of banjo, guitar, drums, dobro, organ, keyboard and double bass. Maybe it’s those rich, other-worldly lyrics — or possibly it’s the boys’ religious enthusiasm releasing listeners from the shackles of mind-numbing mainstream radio into a land that time long forgot, a land where we can kick off our shoes, link arms and do-si-do. Live, Mumford and Sons radiate enthusiasm similar to a Dawson’s Creek episode — in that passionate, complex, beyond-their-years, geeky kind of way. Considering they are only in their early 20s, their debut album Sigh No More is strikingly rich, thoughtful and powerful, cultivated by the kind of passion used to run an old-fashioned, much-cherished family business. They return to Sydney for the second time in six months to play at the Enmore on August 3, with tickets on sale from Thursday, April 8 at 9am.
In a Powerhouse Museum first, this new exhibition will focus on rarely-seen artefacts from 19th- and 20th-century Persia. Iranzamin will feature ceramics, tiles, embroidery, carpets, armour, textiles and other hand-woven crafts from the Powerhouse Collection to tell the story of the people and culture of Persia through to modern day Iran. The temporary exhibition will look at how traditional objects have influenced Australian artists, such as textile designer Florence Broadhurst. The opening also coincides with Nowrouz (Iranian New Year), and so there'll be a special celebration to mark the day on March 20. There'll also be an event on April 3 to mark Sizdehbehdar: the Persian national day for celebrating Mother Nature. Image: War Amulet, 1800s, Persia, Powerhouse Collection
If you like burgers with all of the taste and none of the meat, then you probably got excited in late 2021 when Grill'd teamed up with Impossible Foods. The national fast food chain and the big name in meat alternatives paired up on a range of cruelty-free burgs, which are available at all Grill'd stores. But that was just the beginning of the two brands' collaboration — and of Grill'd's meat-free offering. Now, if you head into the burger joint's outposts in Crown Street in Sydney and Collingwood in Melbourne, you'll only find plant-based menus on offer. The two stores have been completely converted into Impossibly Grill'd venues, which means that you won't find a trace of meat in any dish. Instead, diners will be able to eat their way through 23 plant-based burgers, including ten using Impossible's beef alternative, ten made with chicken-tasting Plantein, one that features a veggie pattie and three using Fable's mushroom meat. Among those options, highlights span the Impossible crispy facon and cheese, which comes with an Impossible patty, facon, cheese, lettuce, onion and tomato; a chicken-tasting option with brie and cranberry sauce; and the Fable truffle, which pairs its shiitake mushroom meat with truffle mayo. Plus, there's a range of 'healthy fried chick'n' burgs, including smokey and jalapeño-laden varieties. For sides, you can also tuck into Impossible loaded chips — or just sweet potato or zucchini chips — as well as 'healthy fried chick'n' bites. And, if you'd like to ditch the burger concept completely, there are two chick'n salads on the menu as well. To match their new menu focus, the Crown Street and Collingwood stores now sport leafier interiors, too, and decor in shades of green and an earthy red. Also, at all of the chain's locations, Grill'd is bringing its 'meat-free Mondays' deal for a limited time — so you can nab a free plant-based burger for every plant-based burger you buy on a Monday. Find Grill'd's new Impossibly Grill'd venues at 241 Crown Street, Darlinghurst and 230 Smith Street, Collingwood.
First Tropfest announced they'll be moving to Parramatta next year, then Sydney Sacred Music Festival plan a gig on a carpark rooftop, and now local music festival The Plot have confirmed they'll be returning to the Western Sydney suburb for November's festival. Parramatta is being graced with some seriously awesome events lately — and the all-Aussie festival is the icing on the cake. Now in its third year, The Plot comes courtesy of the folks behind Groovin' The Moo. The lineup, which features more Aussie artists than you can fit on the tray of a Ford Falcon, will take place at Parramatta Park on Saturday, November 19. The licensed, all-ages event will include every musical genre under the sun — the lineup includes the likes of party boys The Bennies, Montainge, Vera Blue, Indian Summer, Nicole Millar and Elizabeth Rose, just to name a few. And this will all happen in some sweet sunny grasslands with local food and beverage stalls, which are yet to be announced. Those who have attended the festival before know that food is a big part of the day, with last year's event featuring nosh from local vendors Knafeh, The Emporium, Sundweesh and Riverside Brewery. But we know what you're here for — here's the first lineup announcement. THE PLOT 2016 LINEUP A.B. Original Alex Lahey Allday The Belligerents The Bennies Bootleg Rascal Buoy Dorsal Fins Dylan Joel E^st Elizabeth Rose Gold Fields Indian Summer Ivan Ooze Japanese Wallpaper Lanks Luca Brasi Mallrat Montainge Nicole Millar Ocean Alley Paces Pierce Brothers Running Touch Tash Sultana Thela Plum Tired Lion Vera Blue Ziggy Alberts The Plot will take place on Saturday, November 19 at Parramatta Park. Tickets are on sale now at theplot.co.
The 60th edition of Wildlife Photographer of the Year is winging its way to Sydney from London's Natural History Museum, bringing along 100 images selected from 59,228 entries across 117 countries and territories. This year's winner is Shane Gross, a Canadian marine conservation photojournalist, for his work The Swarm of Life. This stunning image captures the mesmerising underwater world of western toad tadpoles — now a near-threatened species due to the widespread destruction of their habitat. Winner of Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year is Germany's Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. His image Life Under Dead Wood depicts slime mould alongside a teeny-tiny springtail. It's made up of a combination of 36 images, each with a different focus, taken in rapid succession. Also in the exhibition are three images from Australian photographers. See Jannico Kelk's Hope for the Ninu, winner of the Animals in their Environment category, which portrays a greater bilby (ninu) in a fenced reserve. Then check out A Diet of Deadly Plastic by Justin Gilligan, which won Oceans: The Bigger Picture category for his mosaic of 403 pieces of plastic found inside the digestive tract of a dead flesh-footed shearwater. And don't miss Matthew Smith's Under the Waterline, which won the Underwater category for its depiction of a leopard seal beneath Antarctic ice. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is showing at the Australian National Maritime Museum between Thursday, May 15–Sunday, October 19.
Stanley Kubrick is renowned for pioneering the use of found classical music in his films. There’s perhaps no Kubrick scene more memorable than Alex being bound with a straightjacket and specula as Ludwig van plays to scenes of concentration camp ultra-violence in A Clockwork Orange, and if there’s one thing in The Shining more harrowing than Jack Nicholson’s eyebrows it’s the haunting score. But no Kubrick film is more lauded for its dramatic marriage of sight and sound than 2001: A Space Odyssey. Ligeti’s spectral "Requiem" plays to a mysterious black monolith and Strauss’ 1986 "Also Sprach Zarathusa" strains to the fabrication of a hominid’s first weapon, while the soundless moments paint the chilling void of the infinite beyond clearer than any music could. At this year's Sydney Festival the soundtrack of Kubrick’s sci-fi masterpiece will be played live by the Sydney Symphony and Sydney Philharmonic Choirs as the film plays on a gargantuan screen. You’ll have trouble looking away even without any surgical lid-clamps. Read our list of the 12 best things to see at the Sydney Festival in 2013.
When you want a drink that suits any occasion, a negroni is a good all-rounder to have in your home bartending repertoire. It's easy to make, requires only three ingredients, and tastes as good in the summer months as it does curled up by a winter campfire. When you want to expand on your cocktail-making talents without venturing too far from the classic aperitif recipe, you can experiment with different spirits to make entirely different flavour combinations. Together with Campari, we've listed six drinks in the negroni family that you can play around with at home. Once you've found your preferred tipple, head to the Campari website to download two recipe books for 55 more twists on a negroni offered up by leading Australian bartenders. FOR A MIDWEEK MOVIE NIGHT, MAKE AN AMERICANO When hump day comes around, sometimes you just want to chill at home and watch a movie. There's a drink to match that moment. The Americano is a lighter introduction to a negroni that pairs well with salty snacks and a marathon viewing schedule of your favourite show. It was created in 1915 to satisfy American tourists travelling through Rome; tourists wanted a splash of soda in the popular Milano-Torino cocktail of the time and the honorary name has stuck ever since. 30ml Campari 30ml Cinzano Rosso Soda water Making this one is easy. Pour Campari and Cinzano into a rocks glass over plenty of ice. Add a splash of soda water and stir to mix. Garnish with a slice of orange or lemon. FOR A DINNER PARTY APERITIF, SERVE A BOULEVARDIER Bookmark this one for your next soiree. The Boulevardier has all the elegance of its birth era with a distinct flavour addition: oaky bourbon. Credited to an American-born writer who founded a magazine in Paris called the Boulevardier, the cocktail was first written about in 1927 and the recipe essentially substitutes bourbon for gin. The Russell's Reserve in this recipe gives it a spiced warmth, as well as adding to the overall deep red colour of the drink. 30ml Campari 45ml Russell's Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon 30ml Cinzano Rosso Pour all three ingredients into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir to reach the desired dilution (should take a couple of seconds). Strain into a coupette or stemmed glass. Express the essential oils of an orange peel, but don't use the orange as a garnish. This one is served chilled, without the fuss of ice or fruit. FOR A WEEKEND PICNIC, TRY A NEGRONI SBAGLIATO When you're planning a catch-up in the sunshine, it's customary to reach for the bubbles. The fizz of prosecco can work well with the bitterness of Campari in this short and refreshing concoction that was created by mistake. The Italian word 'sbagliato' translates to 'mistaken' and the story goes that, in 1972, a bartender called Mirko Stocchetto accidentally poured prosecco into a negroni instead of gin. Bar Basso in Milan, where Stocchetto worked, still offers the drink today. It is traditionally served in a large wine glass, however, it tastes just as good in a regular tumbler, which is far easier to balance on a picnic blanket. 30ml Campari 30ml Cinzano Rosso 75ml prosecco Pour all three ingredients into a glass over plenty of ice. Stir to mix and garnish with an orange wedge. FOR AN IMPROMPTU DATE NIGHT, OPT FOR A ROSITA If your drinks cabinet leans more towards the agave plant than it does a juniper shrub, we have a negroni recipe that might excite your senses. Created in the 1970s, the Rosita has a complexity beyond your classic negroni by replacing gin with tequila. It's usually served in an old-fashioned glass and if you don't have an orange for a garnish, most other citrus fruits are a good substitute. It's an impressive drink, and looks like you've made more effort than you really have. 30ml Campari 30ml Espolon Blanco Tequila (or another 100-percent agave tequila) 15ml Cinzano Rosso 15ml Cinzano Extra-Dry Pour all four ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice and stir for a few seconds. Strain into a glass. Express the essential oils of an orange and use as garnish. FOR YOUR NEXT BARBECUE, OFFER A KINGSTON NEGRONI Barbecue smoke filling the air. Sun setting in the distance. You want a drink that suits the laidback mood and stands up to the stronger flavours of grilled meats or veggies at your next barbecue. Considered a perfect after-dinner drink, the Kingston Negroni is a relatively recent creation that comes out of New York, rather than Jamaica. It has swagger, moreish flavour, and the richness of a negroni — but instead of gin, reach for a full-bodied, aged rum. 30ml Campari 30ml Appleton Estate Reserve Blend 8 Year Old Rum 30ml Cinzano Rosso Pour ingredients into a rocks glass over plenty of ice. Stir to mix and garnish with an orange wedge, just as you would for a classic negroni. FOR SUNDAY SUNDOWNERS, STICK WITH THE CLASSIC NEGRONI We said it at the beginning; you can't go wrong with a classic. At 101 years old, the negroni has come a long way from its origins in Florence, when Count Camillo Negroni ordered an Americano with gin, rather than soda. It has the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, and the drink is only further improved by a fragrant wedge of orange. When you want to see out the week with a drink in hand, we suggest sticking with this classic. Pay close attention to the quality of your ice to ensure your drink is chilled, but not too diluted. 30ml Campari 30ml London dry gin 30ml Cinzano Rosso Vermouth Pour ingredients into a short glass over a block of ice. Stir to combine the ingredients and garnish with a wedge of orange. Download the free Negroni Cocktail Book for 60 different negroni recipes to try at home. Remember to Drinkwise.
As escapism goes, it's hard to top cinema, where worlds come alive and transport you away like nothing else can. Cinema feels timeless, even though it has only been around for 130 years. At first, films didn't have any sound; to fill the awkward silence, cinemas hired in-house musicians to sit at an organ or piano and play along to the screen - sometimes playing music written for the movie, but often improvising. As time and technology went on, the musical scores began to be recorded and integrated into the film itself. By now, film soundtracks have become an art form in their own right. Over the past couple of decades, live performances of these soundtracks alongside a screening of the film have become headline events for symphonic orchestras and concert venues worldwide. According to Dr Dan Golding, this trend has brought new life to the orchestral industry. "This is the primary exposure to an orchestra for a lot of people," said Dr Golding when chatting to Concrete Playground. "And it means that this is the way that a symphony orchestra is part of the cultural life of a city. I've been going to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since I was three. I love classical music…I've never seen an audience react to anything like they did to Home Alone when that was first performed by the MSO." [caption id="attachment_986870" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding (left) host the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nicholas Buc.[/caption] Dr Golding is a published author, critic, the Chair of Media and Communication at Swinburne University and a composer — having developed the soundtrack for the immensely popular indie game Untitled Goose Game. He's also a co-host of the podcast Art of the Score alongside Andrew Pogson and Nicholas Buc. Together, they'll be taking to the Sydney Opera House stage in September to dissect, discuss and dive deep into the music of Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi alongside the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Ahead of that, we spoke to him for his two cents on the music that makes movies come alive. On the Origins of 'Art of the Score' and Taking the Show Live "I didn't know Nick before [Art of the Score]. Andrew did. Andrew knew each of us independently of each other. And what would happen with Andrew and I is that we would meet up for lunch and about three hours later we'd be finished dissecting the latest soundtracks that we were interested in. The way that I understand it, the same thing would happen with him and Nick. I think Andrew just was like 'we should start a podcast to talk about this stuff', because at that point there weren't many good film soundtrack podcasts.. And we would do some talks for the MSO, when they were doing a film concert. But it's a different scenario. Winning over a crowd and feeling like you're not getting in the way of the music. That's really important because not everybody comes to see an Art of the Score show. They want to see the music, and that's the most important thing. So we're there to kind of help amplify that and help give someone a better experience, a more guided experience." On the Difference in Composing to Picture Versus Composing for the Concert Hall "I think that composing to picture, composing for video games, there's another need that you're taking into account, and that's the need of the media … although you can make the argument that when Mozart's composing for the King of Austria, the King of Austria is his number one audience, in the same way as maybe a director is in a film. I think about the audience a lot. With a classical piece of music, it's not to say you wouldn't think about the audience, but it's maybe a more holistically coherent work because you have that luxury of presenting just the music by itself. But I think that for games and for film, you're always bouncing off of something else. You're reacting to somebody else's creative vision. And often, especially in film, you're composing to, what we say in academic terms, a linear piece of media. That said, I don't think any of that makes it artistically more or less coherent or valuable. I'm not interested in the [argument] that film music is lesser or video game music is lesser because it's not as artistic as something composed for the concert hall. I just think that's so short-sighted." On the Role of Joe Hisaishi's Music in the Popularity of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli "You can think of Hayao Miyazaki and Joe Hisaishi as being one of the great composer-director relationships in film history. Truly the same category as Steven Spielberg and John Williams, or Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann. It's also the rare instance where I think all of Hisaishi's feature films have been done by Miyazaki, so they've developed a voice together. I think that Hisaishi's music is so full of emotion and a kind of vibrancy and life, while a lot of Miyazaki's images are quite still — there's a really beautiful kind of interplay between the two that creates a kind of audiovisual experience that's not really reducible to one or the other. It creates something more than the sum of its parts. I think Miyazaki and Hisaishi together create something that would be lesser without one or the other." On the Unifying Magic in Hisaishi's work "I think that there's something about the depictions of nature in the Studio Ghibli movies that Hisaishi's music really brings out. And then there are those melodies which are, you know, earworms sometimes in the case of My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo or Howl's Moving Castle. That tune has led a whole new life on TikTok and social media in the last couple of years." Is there a universal trait across his compositions? "Yeah, absolutely: piano. If I was to do a very silly reduction of his work: it's like a lush orchestral swell with a bit of rhythm out of it that sort of comes to a head, and then a very spare piano melody that comes out of that. The piano in his music just has a way of cutting through. I think that's also part of it being animation, [which] tends to have much more lively soundtracks. But his music calls attention to itself, which I love. It's not always in vogue with Hollywood, which loves to have music blend into the background." On What Audiences Can Look Forward to with 'The Music of Joe Hisaishi' "So we're there on stage as hosts, getting out of the way of the music, but also providing a bit of a guide to the music and helping audiences have some context for some of the pieces that they might not have heard before. The show has a lot of Studio Ghibli, of course, but because it's a concert portrait of the composer, we've also got a whole bunch of other stuff in there. We're going to have some work of his that isn't film music that might be drawn from other media. He's done some TV and video game work, some work for advertising and some work for the concert hall. So, [there will be music] illustrating the broader life of the composer and his creative work, but at the same time, [we'll be] finding a bit of fun in it as well. We like to get the orchestra to do something that they're not supposed to do — it gives you that insight into the creative process of these things." [caption id="attachment_986871" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tim O'Connor[/caption] 'The Music of Joe Hisaishi' will run performances from Thursday, September 25 to Saturday, September 27, at either 7pm or 2pm, produced in association with Concert Lab. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website.
One of the single most iconic pieces of political advertising in living memory, Shepard Fairey’s Hope poster from Obama's 2008 Presidential campaign has inspired countless imitations. Now an Australian campaign group is getting in on the action, albeit with a slightly less positive spin. Plastered on the side of a building on Regency Street in Chippendale, this 4.5 metre poster featuring Tony Abbott’s face along with the word 'hopeless' was designed by Sydney-based graphic artist Michael Agzarian, who is the driving force behind the 'Abbottsolutely Hopeless' campaign. According to the campaign's website, the poster represents "the grim situation Australia finds itself in with Tony Abbott as Prime Minister leading an equally inept and uncaring ministry." To be clear, this poster isn't graffiti or street art. Agzarian spent more than $3000 of his own money getting the billboard legally placed, and is now asking for donations to fund additional posters around Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. He's even hoping to get some placed in Warringah, Abbott’s own Northern Sydney seat. The current poster is payed up for the next four weeks. The original Shepard Fairey Hope poster was subject to a legal battle, following revelations in 2009 that it was based on a picture taken by Associated Press photographer. The case was eventually settled out of court, while the street artist subsequently pleaded guilty to destroying documents related to the case. Back at home, Abbott continues to lag in popularity, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting on a recent Newspoll survey that indicated that two-thirds of participants believe the Prime Minister is out of touch, while more than three-quarters consider him to be arrogant. Via SMH. Images: Abottsolutely Not.
While Messina's main jam is crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer — as it has proven plenty of times over the past few years. Sometimes, it likes to team up with other culinary hotshots. Sometimes, it just likes to whip out a creative dessert. Either way, your tastebuds always benefit. From 12pm on Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23, Messina is busting out one of its specials. If you've had its famous mango pancakes before, including at its yum cha sessions, you'll already be hungry. The crepes come stuffed with mango sorbet and whipped cream, and they've proven immensely popular every other time they've popped up. So, it's no wonder that Messina is turning the tasty occasion into a mango pancake party. The reason: Sydney's reopening after almost four months in lockdown. Even if that wasn't why, desserts like these don't need any justification. The whole thing will go down in the carpark at Messina's Rosebery HQ, until sold out each day — so getting in early is recommended.
Who knew so many people around the world over the age of five (and their parents) would be singing along to a tune sampling “Baa Baa Black Sheep?” Even if you happened to be living under a rock during the when "Somebody That I Used to Know" first surfaced, you would still most likely know the song, which seems to have been playing through some kind of tree root radio system. Now that it’s safely embedded in our brains, you can see ol’ Wally live. Although it’s unclear whether or not Kimbra and Wally will be getting their birthday suits painted on stage or having five people with grim expressions to strum his guitar, what is clear is that Bertie Blackman and PVT will be the supporting acts. This will be his first and (apparently) only Aussie tour since Gotye hit it big time. He seems pretty excited to be playing for local audiences again, saying "the band is sounding hot and I'm so into some of the new visuals that have been made, it's exciting!" Yes, it’s time to get excited people.
Each year for six years now, Australia's annual Wineslinger Awards have named the country's top spots for ace drops, picking where you should be sipping and buying vino. There are two parts to its annual selections, starting with a longlist, then naming four winners. 2023's Top 55 arrived in November, so now it's time for the main gongs — aka the best of the best in Aussie wine venues. Accordingly, Wineslinger isn't about vino itself, or bars in general. As the name makes plain, it's focused on watering holes that specialise in wine. The four prizes cover the best Wineslinger, Best New Haunt, the Maverick prize for places that push the limits and the People's Choice gong. While the first three awards are voted on by around 150 industry experts, the latter stems from vino aficionados at home. [caption id="attachment_884952" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Roberto Pettinau[/caption] Melbourne boasts 2023's Wineslinger recipient, thanks to Marion in Fitzroy. The awards recognised the venue for laying "reasonable claim to capturing the essence of what are, somewhat inelegantly, known as 'barstaurants'," said the Young Gun of Wine team, which runs Wineslinger. "Perhaps this pitching of wine and food in equal measure was not necessarily the intent, but having one of Melbourne's best-loved culinary sons orchestrating the food message was always going to draw crowds. Having said all that, with the shared resource of the flagship Cutler & Co, the wine offer has always been formidable, and deserving of just as much attention." Marion took out the Wineslinger accolade after Sydney's Dear Sainte Éloise scored it in 2022, Melbourne's Embla nabbed it in 2021 and the Carlton Wine Room picked it up in 2020. The Best New Haunt field also went to a Victorian venue, with Collingwood's Commis receiving the nod for a joint that the Young Gun of Wine crew described as "equal parts wine den, cocktail lounge, shared-plate bistro, chic art gallery and chilled neighbourhood hangout". In the Maverick category, Silver Sands Beach Club in Aldinga in South Australia came out on top, earning some love for being "the type of wine clubhouse that will ideally serve the neighbouring McLaren Vale region and the Fleurieu Peninsula beach community, plus a steady stream of wine nerds making the pilgrimage south from Adelaide". As for the People's Choice, Western Australian's The Corner Dairy in Doubleview took the honours. That means that no New South Wales, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory or Northern Territory sites made a showing in the four gongs, but all states and territories do feature on the full Top 55. The Wineslinger Awards were created by Rory Kent, who also founded the Young Gun of Wine Awards. Where the latter prize aims to recognise stellar up-and-comers, the former is all about excellent and innovative places where vino lovers can enjoy an ace drop. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Young Gun of Wine (@younggunofwine) WINESLINGER AWARDS 2023 WINNERS: Wineslinger: Marion, Fitzroy, Victoria Maverick: Silver Sands Beach Club, Aldinga, South Australia Best New Haunt: Commis, Collingwood, Victoria People's Choice: The Corner Dairy, Doubleview, Western Australia WINESLINGER AWARDS 2023 TOP 50: ACT Bar Rochford, Canberra Rizla, Braddon NSW 10 William Street, Paddington Bar Copains, Surry Hills Bar Heather, Byron Bay Bar Superette, Merimbula Beau, Surry Hills Bentley Restaurant & Bar, Sydney Caravin, Potts Point Dear Sainte Eloise, Potts Point Fix Wine, Sydney Le Foote, The Rocks Lil Sis, Chippendale P&V Merchants, Paddington The Sir George Hotel, Jugiong The Wine Library, Woollahra Where's Nick, Marrickville [caption id="attachment_623527" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To.[/caption] NT Stone House, Darwin QLD Agnes, Fortitude Valley Alba Bar + Deli, Brisbane Cru Bar + Cellar, Fortitude Valley Paloma Wine Bar, Burleigh Heads Snack Man, Fortitude Valley The End, West End Zero Fox, Teneriffe SA Alt. Wine Bar, Unley Good Gilbert, Goodwood Hellbound, Adelaide Jennie Wine Bar, Adelaide Loc Bottle Shop, Adelaide Silver Sands Beach Club, Aldinga Stanley Bridge Tavern, Verdun Stem Bar & Restaurant, Adelaide The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale [caption id="attachment_860199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Earl Carter[/caption] TAS Havilah, Launceston Lucinda, Hobart Molto Bar and Cellar, Hobart VIC Bar Marenda, Daylesford Carlton Wine Room, Carlton City Wine Shop, Melbourne Commis, Collingwood Geralds Bar, Carlton North Gimlet, Melbourne Marion, Fitzroy Osteria Illaria, Melbourne Public Wine Shop, Fitzroy North Torquay Wine Store, Torquay Union Street Wine, Geelong Winespeake, Daylesford WA Besk, West Leederville Lalla Rookh, Perth Mayfair Lane, West Perth Mummucc', Wembley The Corner Dairy, Perth Wines of While, Perth For more information about the Wineslinger Awards, visit the awards' website. Top image: Marion, Harvard Wang.
Earth Hour is a symbolic action. Although there is carbon saved by turning things off, the point is the unmissable demonstration that a huge chunk of the world's population caring about the same thing at the same time. If we can manage this for Earth Hour, why not for grander environmental things? The Hour started in Sydney in 2007, and has become an international event in the years since. There are Earth Hour events in Kenya, India and Ireland these days, but you don't need to travel so far afield to find a way to join in this time around. At its simplest, all you need to do is stay home and turn off the lights. But if you'd like to have a more social darkened moment, you can head to a candlelit restaurant or one of a raft of other lights-off events.
One on one interviews, a pop-up tattoo parlour, and a live music lineup curated by the team from Splendour in the Grass are among the highlights of this year's Spectrum Now Festival. The 16-day creative arts extravaganza, launched last year by the Sydney Morning Herald, will feature more than 100 free and ticketed events around the city in 2016. The festival, which will run from March 1 to 16, is split into four sections: art, stage, talks and music. Included in the arts section will be an ambitious live painting at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where Western Sydney artist Tom Polo will spend two weeks creating a gigantic wall painting in view of the public. The stage category will likewise features several standout shows, including performances by the Sydney Dance Company and Bard on the Beach, a burlesque act at Crystal Bar, a performance of La Boheme transplanted to the 1930s, and a night of stand-up comedy with the stars of Workaholics. Two of the most successful events on last year's talks program will return in 2016. Pillow Talk features personal conversations with some of the country's leading creative couples, and will this year include the likes of David and Kristen Williamson, David and Lisa Campbell, and Max Cullen and Margarita Georgiadis. Cultural Crush, meanwhile, invites prominent journalists to interview their 'dream subject'. Those in the spotlight this year include investigative journalist Kate McClymont speaking with film director Bruce Beresford, and columnist Benjamin Law grilling Leigh Sales from the ABC. The previously announced music program features a number of prominent players, headlined by post-punk act The Jesus and Mary Chain. Other standouts include Birds of Tokyo, Calexico and a live edition of RocKwiz. Check out our top picks from the music program. This year's festival hub will be located at The Domain, and will feature fire breathers, burlesque dancers and free live music, as well as a sideshow alley where you can get inked by tattoo artist Leslie Rice or get a haircut from retro barber Tony Vacher. Hanging over the hub will be a giant balloon chain by US artist Robert Bose, who previously created similar works at Burning Man and Coachella.
Nestled at the south end of Darling Harbour is Tumablong Park. The five-hectare, waterside park offers a pocket of serenity, despite being right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city. Brimming with water features, sprawling play areas and the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Tumbalong is frequented by families, culture seekers and tourists alike. In summer, you can cool off at one of the water features or sit under the shade on a deck chair. If you're looking for fun, head to the huge playground or to the communal (free) ping pong tables. There's an old-school carousel within the park, too. For something more tranquil, stroll through the Chinese Garden. There, you'll find waterfalls, sculptures, lakes and local wildlife, such as koi swimming in the ponds, water dragons and lots of colourful birds. While the rest of the park is free, entry to the Chinese Garden of Friendship ranges between $3–6. Tumbalong Park is right by Sydney's International Convention Centre and is surrounded by a bunch of cafes and restaurants. Plus, it's easily accessed by bus, ferry, light rail or train (less than a ten-minute walk from Town Hall Station).
Taking over the New Canterbury Road digs formerly home to the Sausage Factory, Lazy Thinking is a jack-of-all-trades bar, restaurant, record store and live music venue. The bustling Inner West spot is the passion project of Jim Flanagan, one of the former owners of the space's previous residing brewery. Flanagan places the spotlight on all things local here. The beer is from Sydney craft brewers, the records are exclusively from independent Australian musicians, and the food is built on local produce. Each Sunday, Lazy Thinking Live spotlights exciting artists coming out of the Sydney underground — bringing intricate folk singers or ranging punk bands to Dulwich Hill. "Independent musicians and the arts community more broadly were priced out of Newtown and Enmore a long time ago," says Flanagan. "They go out there, do shows there because of the large number of venues, but they don't live there. I love Newtown and Enmore and also go out there all the time. It's just not where the music and arts community lives anymore." "[The Dulwich Hill area should] be full of small venues constantly showcasing the work of its myriad residents. That's what we're looking to start with Lazy Thinking Live." At all times, you can indulge in some bar snacks riffing on lesser-known street foods, including syrup-glazed anchovies, elevated sausage sangas and raw milk cheese with kimchi and blood orange. But if you want to settle in for a full meal at Lazy Thinking, head in on the weekend when you'll be treated to a set menu. The mini banquet runs through sourdough, olives, anchovies and mirin-dressed zucchini flowers, as well as heftier menu items like skinless pork sausage, Tasmanian scallops and lamb arrosticini. The drinks list is just as fun to flick through as the records here, with a far-reaching slate of craft beers available on tap, a selection of solely minimal-intervention wines and a handful of playful cocktails. On the weekends, you can opt for the boozy drinks package, which gives you access to the full suite of tap beers and wines by the glass. The result is an exciting addition to New Canterbury Road, which is focused on fostering community. Lazy Thinking offers Sydneysiders a new space where you can drop in for a catch-up over an interesting wine and some olives, settle into a boozy weekend lunch, or discover your new favourite independent Australian band.
So you've been to the parade, you've kicked on to Arq, and now it's Sunday and the end of Mardi Gras is in sight. This is when you have to ask yourself: are you going to throw in the towel or will you rally like a champion? Of course, the answer is the latter. That's where Mardi Gras' Laneway comes in, taking over The Beresford and the adjoining Hill Street on Sunday, March 3. Bringing the party to multiple levels of the Surry Hills pub and the bustling outdoor stage will be a bunch of local favourites on the DJ decks, including Atomic Kiss, Dan Azzo and Charlie Villas — all joined by a very special headlining performance. Beloved Brisbane pop group Cub Sport will also be travelling down to Sydney to close out Mardi Gras at Laneway with a set of heartfelt dance floor anthems, dipping into their latest album Jesus at the Gay Bar and their beloved back-catalogue of hits. The party will kick off at 2pm, giving you enough time for a post-parade sleep-in, and will wrap up at 10pm. An appropriate time for a Sunday.
Blue Bayou isn't Justin Chon's first film as an actor, writer, director or producer, but it's a fantastic showcase for his many talents nonetheless. It's also a deeply moving feature about a topical subject: America's immigration laws, which are complicated at best and draconian at worst. Worlds away from his time in all five Twilight flicks — because Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Anna Kendrick aren't the franchise's only breakout stars — Chon plays Antonio LeBlanc. While the Korean American tattoo artist has lived in Louisiana since being adopted as child, the name he was given upon his arrival in the US still sparks cognitive dissonance, as the job interview that opens the movie illustrates. It also doesn't stop both the casual and overt racism frequently directed his way, or the deportation proceedings that spring after he's accosted in a supermarket by New Orleans police officers. Helming and scripting as well as starring, Chon layers Antonio's situation with complexity from the outset. He's getting by, just, but his criminal record makes it difficult to secure more work — which he needs given his wife Kathy (Alicia Vikander, The Green Knight) is pregnant. He's a doting stepdad to her daughter Jessie (Sydney Kowalske, Doom Patrol), but her birth father Ace (Mark O'Brien, Marriage Story) is one of those aforementioned cops. Also, Ace has a bigoted partner, Denny (Emory Cohen, Flashback), who makes antagonising Antonio his daily mission. And, after that grocery store run-in, the latter discovers that his adoptive parents didn't ever complete the paperwork required to naturalise him as a US citizen. His life, his wife, his kids, that he has no ties to Korea: sadly, it all means nothing to the immigration system. Based on the plot description, it'd be simple to accuse Blue Bayou of throwing too much at its protagonist, dialling up his hardships and wallowing in his misery, all to tug at heartstrings. The film inspires a strong emotional reaction; however, this isn't just a case of calculating narrative machinations manipulating viewers to feel everything — or even something. There's a sense of inevitability to Chon's feature, his fourth after Man Up, Gook and Ms Purple, and it's all by design. The path that Antonio's life is forced down isn't surprising, complete with tough truths and heartbreaking realities, but it's filled with authenticity. Piling on misfortune after misfortune isn't merely a ploy when all of Blue Bayou's dramas can easily accumulate as they do here, and when no one's struggles are ever limited to just one or two troubles. There's no contrivance in sight, but rather a firm understanding of snowballing sorrows and their overwhelming impact. Still, Chon walks a delicate tightrope. He could've veered into tear-wringing movie of the week-style melodrama, clogged it up with cliches and failed to evoke even a single genuine feeling — or, alternatively, he could've deployed too much restraint and crafted a clinical, procedural film that saw Antonio as a mere cog in a system. The space he's carved out in-between is both masterful and organically messy; finding the right balance is a mammoth task, and embracing the whirlwind that sweeps along Antonio, Kathy and Jessie is inherently chaotic. The result is a stirring and empathetic film that's also precise and intricate, especially when it comes to the emotional deluge weathered by its central trio. At every turn, Blue Bayou plunges viewers into their turbulent existence, sees their plight with clear eyes and acknowledges all that that encompasses. That's true not just in the story's ups and downs, but in every shimmering sight lensed by cinematographers Ante Cheng (Death of Nintendo) and Matthew Chuang (My First Summer). Blue Bayou looks both gritty and romantic at once, finding the immensely tricky midpoint between staying in the moment with all its bleak developments, and also savouring the details, including the small joys and wins, as one does when recalling memories. The movie's urgent, bustling pacing falls into the first category as well, while the second camp spans a fondness not just for water and water lilies — its most heavy-handed piece of symbolism — but also for lingering close-ups of Chon, Kowalske and Vikander. The time spent with Chon and Kowalske alone is revelatory, in fact, soaking in their bond as if it's the most meaningful thing in the world. There's an openness and genuineness to these scenes — an in-the-moment earnestness — that marks Blue Bayou at its finest. The whole film takes the same approach as it shows not only what Antonio is battling against, but what he's fighting to retain; however, these tiny slivers of connection are its crowning glories. Chon is terrific on-screen and -off throughout, but he's exceptionally sincere and full-hearted when he's lapping up oh-so-fleeting seconds with scene-stealer Kowalske. That said, he brings the same resonance to Antonio's well-intentioned but self-destructive choices, especially in the film's midsection. His rapport with the also-excellent Vikander resounds with the kind of hard-fought love that's learned to survive and thrive against the odds, too. Visually, thematically and thanks to potent performances, Blue Bayou would make a stellar double with Monsoon — another big-hearted yet small-in-scale gem that's also about immigration, identity and the interpersonal flotsam that washes up when the pair collide. Scenes where Antonio befriends Vietnamese refugee Parker (Linh-Dan Pham, Mytho), who has similarly lived in the US since childhood and invites him to her family gatherings, particularly bind the two films. They're different in a plethora of ways but, crucially, both pictures recognise the importance of atmosphere in conveying an emotional state, putting audiences in the thick of it with their characters, and peering into minds and hearts. That's where Blue Bayou echoes, whether or not it's playing the Roy Orbison-penned song that gives it its name. This is a movie about migration, discrimination, resilience and endurance in an uncaring world, and about oppressive bureaucracies, engrained prejudice and a supposed land of the free that rarely lives up to that ideal, but it's always a film about people first and foremost.
On Wednesday, August 21, the front page of The Sydney Morning Herald led with an explosive exposé revealing a culture of on-the-clock drug use, sexual abuse and unsafe work environments for female employees across the Swillhouse Group's collection of Sydney venues, including Shady Pines, Restaurant Hubert, Alberto's Lounge, the Caterpillar Club and the now-closed Frankie's Pizza. The bombshell report by Sydney Morning Herald's investigative reporter Eryk Bagshaw and Good Food reporter Bianca Hrovat contained shocking allegations including experiences of sexual assault, sexually inappropriate behaviour from male staff, and staff being pressured into drug and alcohol use. The report, which was compiled from a months-long investigation, also found failures in management with complaints from staff minimised or improperly resolved. Swillhouse Group CEO Anton Forte was aware of this misconduct and made various attempts to curtail certain behaviours amongst his staff, including hiring an HR specialist and introducing specific sexual harassment policies. In 2023, Forte went as far as prohibiting 50 percent discounts and free knock-off drinks for staff in an attempt to "prioritise and promote a culture of safety and wellbeing". The report stressed that Forte himself has never been accused of misconduct by his staff. The backlash against Swillhouse Group in the wake of the report has been searing. Hundreds of comments from customers have appeared on the Swillhouse Group's various Instagram accounts. One comment posted to Restaurant Hubert's feed read: "So disappointed and sickened to read the article in the SMH about sexual abuse. Abusing women like that for your fun has a detrimental affect on them that has lifelong consequences. The worst thing is that you'll say something to the media and that will be it, nothing will change." Another added, "So disappointed. You were my favourite place in Sydney, but I'm so sad for all the women who have had to endure such horrible things - and that's just the stuff we know about from the ones who have been brave enough to speak out!" [caption id="attachment_932655" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrea Veltom[/caption] Industry backlash has been just as swift. Swillhouse Group's debut culinary and music festival, Swillfest, which was due to take place on September 21 with tickets already sold out, was cancelled after major sponsors, artists and masterclass chefs pulled out en masse. The respected hospitality magazine Gourmet Traveller also announced that it would be removing Restaurant Hubert from the digital iteration of its prestigious annual Restaurant Guide, although the venue will still appear in the already-produced print edition. Editor Joanna Hunkin said in a statement relating to the removal of Restaurant Hubert: "While these allegations are not isolated, I cannot stress enough, it is not the prevailing norm. We cannot let this tarnish an entire industry, which is full of decent, hard-working and conscientious humans." Revered chef Neil Perry — one of the nation's most respected restaurateurs and the chair of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association — confirmed to The Herald that Forte would be stepping down from his position on the board of the Association with immediate effect. On the evening of Thursday, August 22, Swillhouse issued an apology via its social media channels, emphasising that the reports of abuse were historical and also announcing the cancellation of its upcoming Swillfest. "This week, our business has faced scrutiny with distressing claims about how Swillhouse used to operate in the past. We sincerely apologise to anyone who has felt hurt, unsafe, unprotected, triggered, or unheard. We particularly extend this apology to our female staff, guests, friends and family," the statement reads. It continues: "We acknowledge that Swillhouse was not always perfect and that we got things wrong in the past. We sincerely regret that any of our former staff have felt let down or unsafe. Questions about workplace safety and inclusiveness have been an industry-wide issue, and we are committed to being part of the solution, not the problem. Several years ago we began the process of building a better workplace where our people feel protected and where those poor behaviours are not tolerated. No one should feel unsafe in their workplace. That's not OK. "While we cannot right the wrongs of the past, we acknowledge them and apologise for any hurt caused. We assure our people, our customers, our friends and our patrons that we currently have best practice policies and processes in place to ensure our people work in the safest possible environment today and tomorrow. "We understand and respect community expectations and, today, are proud to have a workplace that is inclusive and diverse, where our people have a voice and we listen and support them. We recognise we can always be better and are making our workplace systems and support even stronger. "Our responsibility and focus right now is to our people and their wellbeing and for this reason, we don't feel it's appropriate to go ahead with plans for Swillfest on 21 September." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swillhouse (@swillhouse.hospitality) A follow-up article published by The Herald and Good Food on Thursday, August 22, written by journalist Dani Valent, alleged systemic failures across Australia's hospitality sector, representing "endemic" levels of widespread gender-based violence and sexual danger in the workplace. If you need to speak to someone about an experience you have had or are seeking information, please contact 1800Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au. Top image: Kristoffer Paulsen
When Sydney Theatre Company released their 2009 program including an "untitled project" from Steven Soderbergh, there were some grumpy mummers from prospective subscribers who felt that being asked to sign up for a play nobody knew anything about was a bit rich, or, worse, that the company was over-investing in international celebrity appeal as if glittery names like Steven Soderbergh were enough in and of themselves. When Soderbergh finally announced what the production would be several months ago, the murmuring was far from hushed. That he was basing his project on a real life child homicide case that is yet to go to trial was enough to whip up a mild flurry of outrage - and we all know there's nothing like a bit of controversy to conjure public interest. In fact the machine of publicity and media scandal lies at the heart of this new play. Using the still-unfolding mysterious story of murdered Florida toddler Caylee Anthony, it will draw on themes of parental neglect and the eternal appeal of murder mysteries and crime investigation, but also on the nature of media frenzies and sensationalist public spectacle in the modern age. This much anticipated final production of STC's 2009 Main Stage season has been extended until February 7. Image courtesy of Picture Media.
Fried chicken lovers: start drooling. KFC is set to unveil a brand new burger inspired by the flavours in Peking duck, but there's a catch: the only place you can get your hands on it will be at their new music festival on Cockatoo Island. The Colonel is throwing the music festival in the iconic Sydney Harbour spot with an all-star local lineup on Sunday, March 13, and yes, all tickets include free KFC Peking Cluk burgers. As for the headliners at the festival — it's Peking Duk, of course. The rowdy DJ duo are stepping up to help the Colonel as KFC's official burger spokespeople, and will be performing at the festival alongside beloved Yolngu rapper Baker Boy and Sydney favourite Thandi Phoenix. Attendees will be treated to Peking Duk's brand-new live show that they created over the last two years. The show has only been seen a few times at the likes of Field Day and features big party energy, remixes of previous material and plenty of synthesisers. "We've been in the bunker making the live set totally different, totally unique. It's going to be fun and it's going to be an experience that nobody's had before," Peking Duk's Reuben Styles told Concrete Playground. Adam Hyde of the duo put it more succinctly: "Get clucked, go cluck yourself, cluck off and have a clucking great time on Cockatoo Island with the boys."
Kate Mulvany can't seem to keep away from history's big bads at the moment. Fresh from a turn as Shakespeare's dastardly prince-killer Richard III, The Rasputin Affair is her latest written work, a study of the mystical Russian royal advisor and his infamous brushes with death. With Europe in the throes of the First World War, a small group of Russian dissidents decide to do away with the hypnotic holy man, Grigori Rasputin. The king, Tsar Nicholas II, considers him indispensable and the conspirators believe the only means of breaking the spell is to eject Weirdy-Beardy into the underworld. Their chosen weapon? A plate of poisoned cupcakes. But Rasputin hasn't gotten this far by falling prey to suspicious-smelling baked goods. He also claims to be a messenger from God. If the attempt succeeds, will the poisoners have knocked off a legit prophet? Since coming to power, Vladimir Putin has been an almost constant source of weirdness. The Rasputin Affair proves that he is simply continuing in a rich tradition.
If you're the kid who spent their early teenage Saturday mornings sitting on the couch with a bowl of Coco Pops spacing out to ABC TV's seminal music video program rage, then this exhibition is for you. Music videos, the undisputed popular art form of the last two decades, have changed the way we experience culture: they’ve taught us dance moves, fashion trends, a dictionary's worth of slang, and how to just be kool. The rage crew have collected 110 television sets, old and new, and hoisted them up on four huge metal scaffolds into the shape of the iconic rage logo. It's a striking installation considering artworks are often dwarfed by the cavernous, industrial Carriageworks foyer. The exhibition is both a historical documentation of and a homage to what is now the world's longest-running music video program: rage began in 1987. The 'r' showcases the program's earliest years, with videos from artists including Kylie Minogue, Mental As Anything, Bobby McFerrin, Paula Abdul, and the Beastie Boys. The 750 videos (chosen from a library of 35,000) move in chronological order through to the 'e', where Justin Timberlake, Gotye, Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monae, and loads more have added their own flavours to the endlessly malleable art form. Four pillars strung with headphones correspond to the videos playing on each of the letters, and despite tangled wires and limited space, it is really fun to pop on a pair of headphones and scan the multitude of flickering TVs to spot the corresponding film clip. From Prince and Michael Jackson through to Silverchair, Metallica, Sonic Youth, Grandmaster Flash, Michael Hutchence, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beck, Malcolm McLaren, OK Go, Bjork, Britney Spears, MIA, Beyonce, and Jay-Z, there is something here for everyone who ever liked music. Within the 700 hours of video highlights, you can also spot archived footage of guest hosts such as Nick Cave, You Am I, Blondie, and Radiohead. It's both educational and surprisingly nostalgic, and a fun way to see how music video production has developed over the last 25 years — from spangles to sparkles, from mullets to mohawks, from smoke machines and cardboard props to green-screen special effects. rage is an iconic Australian cultural touchstone and this celebratory exhibition has been creatively and thoughtfully put together by Carriageworks curator Beatrice Gralton, rage programmer Tyson Koh, and the rest of the rage team. It runs as part of Vivid Sydney until June 17. Image by Daniel Boud.
The Sydney Opera House's First Nations dance competition will return for its sixth year in 2020. Starring more than 350 performers from all over the country, with different generations, nations and groups all represented, Dance Rites will be broadcast free online — which means, for the first time, all of Australia can join in on the festivities. Close to 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance groups will compete in this year's festival, including Djakapurra Dancers, led by Djakapurra Munyarryun (Songman for the Sydney 2000 Olympics); Mornington Island Dance Group, who performed for the opening of the Opera House in 1973; Dyiraamalang, an all-female group; and Luurnpa Dancers, led by acclaimed artist and senior law man Jimmy Tchooga. The first wave of performances will take place each night from Wednesday, November 11 through Saturday, November 14 (coinciding with NAIDOC Week). Then the finals will air the following week on Saturday, November 21. Each group will perform two dances — one traditional and one 'wildcard' dance. The judges' assessment is based on on authenticity, reclamation work, fusion of language and music and use of costumes, crafts and cultural materials. The winners will receive a cool $20,000, with additional prizes also up for grabs. [caption id="attachment_789029" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brolga Dance Academy[/caption] Top image: Anna Kucera
Aussie summers are practically made for adventures. We soak up rays at the beach, chase waterfalls in national parks and road trip with mates in search of new experiences. We get outdoors to make the most of the warm weather and eschew any work woes from the year with a big ol' dose of nature. But if you've ever been camping, hiking or even picnicking, you'll know that your fun in the sun can depend on the gear you've got. No one wants to roast themselves in the harsh sun, or forego a cold one due to a forgotten bottle opener. To help get you ready for all the summer adventures you've got planned, we've teamed up with Kathmandu in celebration of its new collaboration with Aussie artist Mulga (AKA Joel Moore) to give away one epic prize pack. Yep, you could be living your best outdoorsy life this summer — without having to fork out for the gear. The much-loved Sydney-based illustrator is known for his intricate line work and colourful, quirky characters — think koalas holding surfboards, sunglasses-clad chickens and cockatoos eating ice cream — that radiate Aussie summer vibes. So, it's only fitting that the Kathmandu x Mulga prize combines bright, quirky prints and patterns with functional designs. Should you win this prize, you'll score seven items to add to your summer essentials. The prize consists of two t-shirts for when you're not in your togs; a water bottle to keep you hydrated; a sand-proof towel; a sun shelter and a beach umbrella so you can stay cool and sun safe; and a handy chair for all the hanging out you'll be doing. It's got everything you need to help you get out there this summer. Keen to get a jump on summer with this epic prize? Enter your details below to go in the running. [competition]829441[/competition]
There has been much discussion about what the future of food will look like — lab-grown meat, veganism, Soylent-like meal replacements, insects. And news and finance magazine The Economist wants you to get accustomed with the last-mentioned possibility: eating critters. To help ease you into the idea of snackin' on creepy-crawlies, it's giving out free ice cream. But don't expect your usual go-to flavours — instead think chocolate with grasshopper chunks, strawberry with mealworm swirls and neapolitan with mixed bugs. The insect-laden ice cream truck will be popping up around Sydney for three weeks in March and is part of the magazine's new Feeding the Future campaign. While insects aren't a totally new concept to Sydney's dining scene — you can eat them at Kylie Kwong's Billy Kwong and at Bea in Barangaroo House — this is certainly one of your only chances to try them for free (and prepared by a professional, not collected from your backyard). If you've got the courage to try these futuristic flavours, track down the cart at the locations below. Monday, March 5 - Wynyard Park, 12pm–6pm Tuesday, March 6 - UNSW, 10am–5pm Wednesday, March 7 - Wollongong University, 10am–5pm Thursday, March 8 - Henry Deane Plaza, 8am–7pm Friday, March 9 - Martin Place, 12pm–5pm Monday, March 12 - University of Sydney, 10am–5pm Tuesday, March 13 - UTS, 10am–5pm Thursday, March 15 - University of Sydney, 10am–5pm Friday, March 16 - Chatswood Mall Market - 9am–9pm Sunday, March 18 - Manly Wharf, 10am–6pm
Beachgoers who aren't so keen on sharing their patch of sand with a swarm of strangers this summer have another (albeit much pricier) option: to buy their very own private beach. Northern NSW property agents Harcourts Northern Rivers have revealed a 22-acre parcel of beachfront has landed on the NSW market, boasting a whopping 500 metres of untouched ocean frontage and a cool $1.95 million price tag. The current Sydney-based owners have had the Patchs Beach Road acreage just south of Ballina for 15 years, though a busy schedule of overseas jaunts means they're now looking to pass it on to someone who'll be able to give it a bit more love and attention. While the idyllic spot currently has zero dwellings, it has been given the go-ahead for a two-level home to be built on 900 square metres. That means you can build a sweet, beachfront pad amid the rolling hills and native vegetation — y'know, with all those leftover pennies. You can check out the listing here if you're so inclined. We can dream. Via realestate.com.au. Images: Harcourts Northern Rivers.
Sydney will play host to the best bartenders in the world next year, when the 11th annual Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Global Final heads Down Under. If you haven't heard of it, the competition pits the best bartenders from over 60 countries against each other. Apart from the main tournament, the competition includes a week-long festival of pop-ups, collaborations and tastings. So, while nothing has been announced just yet, expect Sydney to be buzzing with exciting one-off events come next spring. Launched in 2009, the competition boasts some notable local winners, including Bulletin Place's Tim Philips-Johansson (2012) and, most recently, Lûmé's Orlando Marzo (2018). This year's World Class, held in Glasgow, featured another Aussie finalist: Alex Boon — the lauded bar manager at the Melbourne instalment of The Speakeasy Group's famed Viking-inspired restaurant Mjolner. Bannie Kang of Singapore bar Antidote took out the top gong for 2019. [caption id="attachment_721694" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bulletin Place by Cesar Echeverri[/caption] The competition comes to Sydney at an exciting time, too, with Sydney's lockout laws set to be scrapped in the CBD early next year and the City of Sydney planning to introduce 24-hour trading in the area. The CBD is also home to an exciting lineup of new bars — including Maybe Sammy, Employees Only, Prince of York, Cantina OK! and Double Deuce Lounge — which have all opened in the last twelve months, and join world-class stalwarts like Bulletin Place, The Baxter Inn, The Lobo Plantation and PS40. The 11th annual Diego World Class Bartender of the Year Global Final will take place in Sydney in 2020. For more information and to stay up to date, head to the website. Top image: World Class 2018 winners, Orlando Marzo and Alex Boon.
We've been preaching about it a lot, but Kensington Street Precinct continues to up its game — even after the main physical part of the renovation was completed last year. Gone are the run-down facades; blitzed with a bit o' glam and restored to their former glory, they're now home to some of the hottest eateries in Sydney, including Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social, Automata and The Old Clare. Casual eats are hidden in the precinct's buzzing Asian foodie spot, Spice Alley, with hawker-style nosh from Alex Lee Kitchen, Bang Luck Thai Street Food, Old Jim Kee's and Hong Kong Diner, bookended by residents KYO-TO and Mekong. This more casual environment has been flanked with newer neighbours Bar Chinois, an Asian-French fusion bar housed in an old terrace, international chef Frederic Colin French brasserie Bistrot Gavroche, next-level dessert gallery Koi, and, most recently, private dining option The Private Kitchen and inner city cellar door Handpicked Wines. And it ain't done yet.
Adora Handmade Chocolate stores are found throughout greater Sydney, but the Blight Street store and cafe is a small slice of calm paradise in a bustling metropolis. Adora makes their impressive range – there's more than 40 different types – of chocolates from Belgian Callebaut chocolate, and once you try one it's very, very difficult to say no to another. Adora's goods are distinct – they don't use moulds or busy decorations, and instead choose simple, rustic designs. If you're looking for a last-minute gift, you'll be spoiled for choice here – but make sure you sit down and have a truffle and one of their signature hot chocolates for yourself, too.
If you adore a hidden bar, you'll love Clarence Street watering hole Old Love's. The venue from the team behind Old Mate's Place is located down an unmarked corridor and behind a nondescript security door in the basement level of the building. You truly don't know whether you're about to find a bustling CBD venue or an empty fire escape — but luckily, a welcoming cocktail bar awaits you. Once inside, you'll find a loving homage to the world of rum. You're handed the Book of Rum upon entry, a passion project that Old Mate's Dre Walters worked tirelessly on in the lead-up to the opening. The book is a guide to all things rum, and the back bar is set up in the order the different regions and distilleries appear in the book. Flick through the pages to the middle of the guide, and you'll discover a list of fun and inventive cocktails — many of which are based on long-forgotten Pacific Island and Caribbean combinations that Walters and the team dug up from historic tiki recipe books. The Old Mate's Place owner says they've "dropped some power steering" into these drinks of yesteryear with the help of contemporary spirits and modern mixology. The Pet Dragon will delight, combining a house-made rum-based drambuie, dried plum extract, a burst of citrus and egg whites for fluffiness. The Cuban Payphone takes white rum and brightens it with sherry, citrus, sugar and orange bitters. A favourite from the Ginny's and Old Mate's menus, the pickled jalapeño Tommy's margarita is also available here — a good option for the rum-averse. There are also seasonal daiquiris made with whatever fruit is available from the markets that week. If you want to dip your toes in the world of rum, chat with the bartender and pick out a rum to combine with freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. It's the beginner's version of a rum on the rocks. Rounding out Old Love's offerings are a few memorable bar snacks. The mini Cubano and the jerk chicken roll are packed with flavour — a true delight when paired with a top-notch cocktail.
The world's largest female surfing participation event, Seas the Day, is back for its third year, taking over Kingscliff Beach from Saturday, June 21–Sunday, June 22. Sharing the stoke with women of all abilities, this free and family-friendly event attracted over 15,000 people last year, with the festival hoping to do even better in 2025. On the schedule are 30 free workshops and talks involving a who's who of Australian surfing royalty. For instance, Layne Beachley will lead Awake Academy — a guided wellness program — while Wendy Botha will take part in a rare Q&A, delving into the life of one of surfing's most elusive female pioneers. Meanwhile, Indigenous surfers Amber Mercy, Leihani Zoric, Bodhi Simon and Jodie Barsby will share their journey through Tides of Change, weaving tradition, storytelling and identity into their experience amid the waves. Then, environmental scientist and professional longboarder Tully White will join Belinda Baggs from Surfers for Climate for a chat on ocean advocacy. Also taking place throughout the weekend is a massive surf competition, featuring over 300 competitors across numerous divisions. Exploring themes of health, wellness, empowerment and environmental awareness, expect Seas the Day to deliver an enriching community-led experience.
It's insanely difficult to say no to free pastries at the best of times, but it's impossible when Loulou Bistro, Boulangerie & Traiteur is giving them away. To celebrate the launch of a new sister store, Petit Loulou in Martin Place, the French pastry connoisseurs are hosting a five-day free croissant giveaway, ensuring visitors and lucky passersby experience the taste of Paris in Sydney's CBD. Available from February 10–14, every coffee purchase comes with a free, freshly baked croissant (limited to one per person). It's good news for early risers too, as the offer starts every day at 6.30am and runs until sold out. Plus, each day of the giveaway is focused on a new flavour, so you have the chance to savour a variety of authentic French pastries over the week. On the agenda is Loulou's signature croissant, pain au chocolate, pain suisse and a special Valentine's Day treat. We don't know about you, but we think there are few better ways to start the day than with a flaky, buttery treat.
A well-made, well-fitting suit is an investment. If it's an outfit you're going to be wearing often — or for a special occasion — then it's worth dedicating the time and money to getting it right. And that's exactly what Mister Mister ensures. Based inside the Strand Arcade, Mister Mister is a menswear label where everything is made to measure. Every single garment is produced specifically for the buyer — from the ideal cut, fabric, measurements and even down to little bespoke touches like monogrammed cuffs. The primary goal is to get customers in clothing that they feel totally comfortable and confident in, and the by-product is less wastage.
Nothing beats the simple beauty of a quaint community market. Roaming the stalls of local producers and artisans, tote bag in hand, the sounds of music and happy marketgoers all around you. South Sydney residents would know from a local favourite, one that's swapping its historically weekly runs for a monthly recurrence: Green Square Markets. Like its Cambridge Markets-run siblings in Ryde Wharf, Wentworth Point, The Entertainment Quarter, The Cannery, and many more spots around Sydney, Green Square Markets is all about local produce and community spirit. It's been a year since the Green Square Markets kicked off, and now, from Saturday, April 26, the markets will take over Zetland's Green Square Plaza from 9am to 2pm on the fourth Saturday of every month. During each edition, you'll find a 50-stall-strong selection of fresh produce, baked goods, international eats and unique artisan goods, all sold by local vendors. Beyond the browsing, you can expect live family entertainment in the form of puppet shows, bubble wands, live music and more. It's a top excuse to get out of the house and get among the community spirit. The fact that you can get a great bite to eat, too, is gravy. To get there, the Green Square train station is across the road from the plaza, or parking can be found on Johnson Street and Queen Street, Alexandria. [caption id="attachment_1000732" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Christian Gilles[/caption]
If seafood and fries is your idea of a perfect culinary pairing, then drop by Surry Hills' Loluk Bistro on Thursdays to enjoy as many mussels and fries — or moules frites — you can stomach for $29. The stuff-your-face food event may not be a bottomless brunch, but hot and fresh mussels is a pretty great way to help cure the midweek blues. The Bourke Street bistro — known for its southern French fare — is piling plates high every Thursday from 6pm with steamed mussels and pommes frites. Mussels come with your choice of one of three sauces: provençal, with tomatoes, garlic and black olives; marinière, with shallots and white wine; and bleu, with roquefort cheese and cream. And you can keep ordering (endlessly) until you're full. Well, until the clock hits 10pm. But four hours should be more than enough time for you to get your mollusc fix. If you prefer your all-you-can-eat on the cheesier side, head in between 6–10pm on Tuesday or Wednesday night. The bistro is serving up unlimited raclette (and profiteroles for dessert) for $49.
Think Apple gives the most visionary tech demos? The man whose 1968 'Mother of All Demos' showed us computer technology we'd still be using today passed away this week at the age of 88. Douglas Carl Engelbart was an inventor and engineer best known for creating the mouse. But he and his team at the Stanford Research Institute (now known as SRI International) actually showcased an eerie amount of still-familiar technology at their oN-Line System presentation in 1968. Video still exists of the entire 1 hour, 40-minute of it, but perhaps the coolest moment is this, in which he demonstrates the basics of word processing, copy-and-pasting, hypertext and something of a graphical user interface. In the next video, you can see the mouse in action. ("I don't know why we call it a mouse, I apologise. I started that way and we never did change it.") Theirs is a boxy thing with two wheels. In patent terms, an "X-Y position indicator control for movement of the hand to move a cursor over the display on a cathode-ray tube." Later, he demonstrates video conferencing. Seriously. It's like he made up the future, and then it all went ahead and happened. Engelbart's inventions never made him particularly rich — SRI didn't really realise the value of the mouse when they patented it — but he's regarded as a visionary in the industry.
This autumn, the sweet fiends behind Victoria's hot chocolate and ice cream festivals launched a virtual month-long sugar extravaganza dedicated to sweet, nutty, marshmallowy rocky road. In place of its usual Yarra Valley Rocky Road Festival, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery hosted online tasting sessions and giant boxes filled with 31 different flavours of rocky road. As metropolitan Melbourne reenters lockdown this July, it has brought back the latter. Until the end of lockdown (expected to be August 20), you can get the mammoth Ultimate Rocky Road Box delivered to your door for $110. Flavours include Golden Gaytime, Tim Tam, salted caramel macadamia, salty pretzel, Sour Patch, rum and raisin and many, many more. You can check out all of them here. Elsewhere on the shop's delivery menu, you'll find one-kilogram slabs of rocky road, a chocolate breakfast box and high tea sets. The boxes can be delivered anywhere within Australia for a flat rate of $15.
NAIDOC Week, the annual week-long celebration of the history, achievements and diverse culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has kicked off a little later than usual this year. And, as with everything in 2020, this edition of NAIDOC Week is going down a bit differently. After originally being scheduled for its usual spot in the calendar in early July, the festivities were postponed to November due to COVID-19. It's now running from Sunday, November 8–Sunday, November 15. This year's theme is 'Always Was, Always Will Be', recognising that First Nations people were the first to step foot on this land and that they have occupied and cared for the land for over 65,000 years. As is now customary for 2020, a majority of this years NAIDOC Week events will take place online. Talks, art exhibitions and markets will happening across this country — and the internet — this week so clear your schedule. It's also important to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples outside of NAIDOC Week. Every day is a good day to learn more about the country's history, support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses, and donate to important social enterprises and charities if you have the means.
Down in the Southern Highlands you're spoilt for choice when it comes to culinary delights. One of the very best, however, is award-winning fine diner Eschalot, located in the historic town of Berrima. Headed up by chef Matty Roberts, the restaurant is set in a quaint stone cottage and, with a focus on serving up fresh seasonal produce, feels a bit like dining in someone's home. There are four different menus to choose from: a share-style 'feed me' menu ($85 per person); a six-course degustation ($90 per person); an al a carte seasonal menu; and a breakfast menu, which is only available on weekends. Expect dishes such as jalapeño and cheddar croquettes, kingfish ceviche, fried chicken with leek and a siracha and honey glaze, whole lamb shoulder with mint and rose labneh, and pumpkin and feta ravioli. If you're opting for the degustation, you can add paired wines for $55 a head, too. For breakfast, think baked eggs with lamb mince, pumpkin and chilli jam, crumpets with crème fraiche, spanner crab, lobster crackle and poached egg, and porridge with rhubarb compote and burnt honey. Just be sure you have the cash to splash when heading there — and make a reservation well in advance. Eschalot is open Thursday through Sunday, with private appointments available on Monday to Wednesday upon request. Images: Destination NSW
Marrickville may be renowned for its culture, brimming with music venues, theatres, restaurants and bars, but a few of its residents are not on-board with one of the suburb's beloved concert halls. Livingstone Road's The Great Club is under fire from a handful of its neighbours, who have been filing repeated noise complaints which the venue says have put it under immense financial pressure. The Great Club opened in 2021, taking over a building that previously housed a longstanding Greek club for decades. Since adopting the space, the venue has hosted a diverse genre-spanning program of gigs and carpark parties — and has also opened a Greek-inspired front bar and restaurant serving up pub classics and Greek staples under the name Yia Yai's Dive Bar. According to The Great Club's Event Boss Cassie Benco, following the aforementioned carpark parties — a community music festival run in collaboration with non-alcoholic beer brand Heaps Normal, plus a Hottest 100 day party — the small group of neighbours really started to kick up a fuss. While they had previously lodged complaints, the issues became more significant following these outdoor gatherings. "Basically, we have three neighbours that have been filing complaints against us about the noise," says Benco. "We have a lot of neighbours that are very supportive of us, obviously, but these ones have just been causing a lot of problems — complaining to Council and to Liquor and Gaming." [caption id="attachment_886011" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] Despite continuous contact with the Inner West City Council about the events the venue had planned, as well as a continued commitment to conclude all live music events by 11pm, Benco says the council has now intervened — leading to The Great Club reducing capacity on gigs, working with sound engineers to manage sound levels, cancelling plans for any future outdoor events and hiring lawyers to deal with the complaints. "[Not running outdoor events] really sucks 'cause it's such a good space and most of the community love it. And the Hottest 100 was such a good day. We had kids here and everyone with their dogs." The Inner West City Council has organised mediation with the neighbours in order to hopefully resolve the issues but, during an already tough time for live music, these added financial costs have put the venue under pressure of closing. In response, The Great Club has launched a fundraising campaign via the website Chuffed in the hope of raising $50,000 to keep the venue alive and vibrant. "[The Great Club's Owner] Ali did a callout to get people to send in letters of support, and a lot of people suggested 'you should do crowdfunding'." The campaign has already raised over $10,000 at the time of writing, with perks on offer to those that donate. On top of knowing you're helping save the bar, those who donate $50 will be sent a Great Club tote bag — or if you donate $100, you'll get your name on the door of an upcoming gig of your choice with a plus one. If you want to really go big with your donation, there are even heftier prizes like your name on the guest list for a full year, or a Great Club party for you and nine mates with free food and drinks. "We just feel very lucky to be so loved by so many, even though a very small ratio are causing issues. It's still so great to see so much support," says Benco. Following The Great Club's public campaign about the noise complaints, the Inner West Council released a statement. "The Inner West is working actively to resolve the issues between The Great Club and its neighbours. Following a couple of events held at the club in late 2022 that were not compliant with the club's license, complaints were received by neighbours. All events since have been compliant," reads the statement. "Our Good Neighbour policy was developed specifically to find solutions to issues like this through mediation not litigation, and we're hopeful that we can work with both parties to find a solution that works for The Great Club and its neighbours." If you want to head in and check out the venue, The Great Club has the likes of Urthboy, The Terrys, Candy and a massive Ireland Rocks showcase on its upcoming program, while Yia Yia's is open 6pm–late Wednesday–Saturday. The Great Club is located at 160–164 Livingstone Road, Marrickville. Find out more about its issues with noise complaints and its fundraising project via Chuffed. Top image: Georgia Griffiths.
Bondi doesn't have a shortage of places to brunch, so if you're going to get in on the game, the stakes are high. You'll be betting your best breakfast bowls and baked eggs, and training like a madman to make sure your milk frothing skills are honed to a tee; locals will be willing to take a chance on you, but they won't show any faith until you've had some consistent wins. With this in mind, you've got to wonder why you'd want to sign up at all. But The Nine, having opened earlier this month, is fresh out on the field — and they seem to be playing the game correctly. They're a Bondi cafe in every sense of the word: the menu is mostly organic, locally-sourced and healthy, the interior is blonde, blue and open. It's small, but it doesn't feel too cramped — although you may have trouble getting a spot on a sunny Sunday morning. This possibly has something to do with the dishes being churned out of the kitchen. They're so damn pretty, the plating up alone deserves some kind of award. Just try to walk past without the nine grain Bircher — which is topped with bright slices of mango and edible flowers ($14) — or the crazy colourful mountain of toast with avo, tomato, stone fruit, ricotta and pesto ($15) catching your eye. The scrambled eggs with kale, feta and perfect-crunch broccoli ($18) is a great breakfast choice, if not a little exxy with just one piece of toast on the plate. Similarly, the basic shakshouka comes in a bit high at $18 — especially considering it's an extra $3 just to add chorizo. Lunch lends itself to seafood, with a prawn and crab brioche burger on the menu, along with some beetroot-cured salmon which is a very pleasant colour indeed (both $18). And while you can get a very good Five Senses coffee, you're also able to order from the mostly biodynamic wine list. Service wasn't exactly as well refined as the well-designed dishes. On our visit, we were forgotten about multiple times and had a considerable wait for food, even with the space being quite small and not that busy. It's a sore point amongst some really good ones — but with Lox Stock & Barrel just up the road and Brown Sugar around the corner, there's stiff competition. With hopes to open for dinner in the near future, The Nine might still be finding their prime position.
One of the great things about Christmas is getting your family and friends to help you out with your homewares and furniture wishlist. Got your eye on a new lamp but spent your own pennies on festive shenanigans? Need some new linen, chairs or glassware, but not enough to bust your budget? Too busy splashing cash on gifts for everyone else to worry about your own broken shelves? Cue the handy answer to your mum's annual "what do you want for Christmas?" question — and cue IKEA's new way to assist, too. 'Tis the season for the Swedish retailer to launch its IKEA Gift Registry in Australia, capitalising upon all the present-buying — and just general browsing — that everyone's doing in December. This is a year-round offering, however, letting you set up a registry filled with all the IKEA products your house really needs, ready to send to whoever's doing the purchasing. Use it for Christmas or birthdays, the choice is yours. The registry will also come in handy for couples about to get hitched, and is bound to be super popular for housewarmings. Whichever fits, it operates in the same way — and it's also designed to help making gift-shopping even quicker. You'll need an IKEA Family account to create a registry, then it's a simple matter of adding whatever your heart and home desire, sharing it when your loved ones and waiting till the relevant big occasion. The gift registry updates in real time, too, so everyone can see what's already taken — avoiding double ups. IKEA has launched the registry alongside app-based checkout, a self-service feature that lets you scan what you're buying as you're browsing its ten Aussie stores. Once you've wandered the aisles, you can then just scan the QR code at the dedicated mobile checkouts, without needing to go through your trolley or bag again (or even unpack them). That leaves more time for eating Swedish meatballs, obviously. The last 12 months has seen IKEA add a range of new services in Australia, helping you fill your house with its wares. Also on the list: an online marketplace for discontinued, ex-display and pre-loved products, plan and order point concept stores outside its usual warehouse setup and sustainable living-focused shops. For more information about the IKEA Gift Registry, head to the chain's website.
